Destination Cod Hole and Great Barrier Reef
Duration 3 nights - Up to 14 dives - Includes 2 night dives
Departs Monday from Cairns
Returns Thursday into Cairns
This excursion starts with an incredible 250 kilometre low level scenic reef flight to Lizard Island, gliding just above the reefs you'll be diving. Soon you are swimming with diver size fish at the Cod Hole before exploring the exquisite Ribbon Reef sites north of Cooktown. Here you see the best concentrations of pristine corals, colourful tropical fish and fantastic Minke Whale encounters (months of June, July and August). Enjoy comfortable cruising within sheltered waters aboard Spoilsport where space, comfort and stability are unmatched.
Spoilsport is a three level catamaran, accommodating a maximum of 29 divers. Food, accommodation and organisation of the dives is excellent, and has earned Spoilsport many repeat customers. There are four categories of twin or double, air-conditioned cabins, all of which are en-suite except three budget twin cabins. The massive dive deck is superbly set up for diving.
Expedition Summary
A special bonus with your ‘Fly Dive Cod Hole’ participation is you experience one of the worlds most spectacular low-level reef flights and see stunning views of the Great Barrier Reef. The Great Barrier Reef's most remarkable marine life encounter await you at the Cod Hole, imagine diver size fish that swim with you!
Better Diving
All your dives are at the superior northern reefs between Cooktown and the Cod Hole, beginning at Ribbon Reef #3. This 55 mile (90km) turquoise chain of ribbon reefs is the most prized dive region in the northern section of the Great Barrier Reef. You will see spectacular concentrations of pristine coral and a myriad of brightly colorful tropical fish. The currents that channel between the ribbon reefs attract bigger fish population than elsewhere. You will enjoy exciting night and drift dives with excellent visibility. Our knowledgeable dive crews are often able to show you very rare species like the beautiful leaf scorpion fish and ghost pipefish. The 'Fly Dive Cod Hole' is a photographer's paradise for both macro and wide-angle shots
Spoilsport
Spoilsport has been honoured with more excellence awards than any other liveaboard dive vessel in the area. She has received 10 Rodale’s Reader Choice awards including Best Liveaboard Staff, Best Food and Best Value. Spoilsport is very spacious and stable with a very large well-equipped dive deck as well as a very spacious sundeck, al fresco deck and saloon.
Spoilsport Service
• 250 km low level reef flight
• Complimentary Resort Course for non- divers
• Complimentary soft drinks and wine
• Chef prepared meals and in-between meal snacks
• Twin or double cabins most with ocean views
• Daily cabin service with chocolate on pillow
• Warm towels after each dive
• Photo Service
• Dive Service
More dive time!
The ‘Fly Dive Cod Hole’ itinerary provides more diving and more relaxed diving. Quickly you will notice there is no rush or limit placed on your dive time. Vessel movement between dive sites is limited to a maximum 75 minutes per day. At sites like Challenger Bay, some photographers do 2-hour dives to capture special fish behavior photographs.
The ‘Fly Dive Cod Hole’ itinerary halves your sea travel by 250 kilometers or 12 hours. This reduces fatigue levels for guests and crew to ensure the most relaxed holiday. Mike Ball Dive Expeditions exclusively uses custom-designed twin-hulled catamaran liveaboards to provide the best combination of stability and spaciousness; further comfort is gained by Spoilsport cruising within the sheltered waters of the Great Barrier Reef.
Stunning views!
The new exciting low-level 250km Great Barrier Reef ‘Fly Dive Cod Hole’ flight path is designed to maximize your appreciation of the Northern Section of the Great Barrier Reef marine park. You will be provided with detailed flight maps so you can anticipate the flight highlights. Half of the flight is just 180 meters (600ft) above our dive sites. You also have very close views of Endeavor Reef where Captain Cook ran aground, the Emily Reef wreck and Lizard Island. Keen observers are often rewarded with sightings of Minke whales (May -Aug), dugongs, rays, turtles and sharks.
Lizard Island
In the footsteps of Captain Cook you fly to or from Lizard Island, to the reef's most exclusive island resort. The famous English navigator James Cook climbed to its summit in 1770 to find the way out of the labyrinth of reefs.
At that time, naturalist Joseph Banks was to lament in his journal that he had too little time to study the wealth of strange creatures he saw in the waters of the Great Barrier Reef.
Diving Service
You benefit from the industries best trained and qualified staff. Most guests improve their dive skills
during the expedition. 6 of the 11-person crew are divemasters or instructors. The ‘Trip Director’ is specifically tasked to ensure you have great diving and a great time. Complimentary orientation dives are provided to advance the skills of novice divers. Most guests prefer to plan and dive independently with their buddy.
It is not a policy for all dives to be divemaster led. Guests who prefer more supervision are offered a combination of: complimentary orientation dives to enhance skills; a scheduled morning and afternoon guided dive and the opportunity to dive with the crew on an ad hoc basis.
Sumptuous Meals
Enjoy a sumptuous variety of meals that has earned Spoilsport the award “Liveaboard with best food in
the Pacific Region. Vegetarian and standard diets are catered for with Australian and International menus
using fresh local produce. Please advise if you have special dietary needs
Monday: Check-in and Departure & Ribbon Reef #10 & #9 - Cod Hole, Cod Wall, Challenger Bay
Tuesday: Ribbon Reef #9, #5, #4 - Lighthouse Bommie, Pixie Pinnacle, Andy’s Postcard, Clam Beds, Vertical Gardens
Wednesday: Ribbon Reef #3 - Flare Point, Joani’s Joy, Steve’s Bommie
Thursday: Dock at Marlin Jetty - Berth 16, Cairns
Prime dives sites - GUARANTEED!
Prices 3 Nights - April 2008 to March 2009
Prices 3 Nights - April 2009 to March 2010
Rental Equipment
Extra Charges
*Subject to variation
Optional Courses Available Onboard
Fuel Levy – Due to the greatly increased cost of fuel it has been necessary to impose a Fuel Levy. Unfortunately, this cost impost was not foreseeable when our prices were calculated. Due to the large amount of confirmed bookings up to 3 years in advance it has not been practical to restrict this fee to just new bookings and applies to all guests from November 7th 2005. The Fuel Levy is currently calculated at AU$16.00 per person for the duration of the excursion.